AutoTrader.com, an Internet destination and marketplace in the United States for buyers and sellers of used vehicles, has announced the appointment of Joe George as vice president of product management, a newly formed department at AutoTrader.com.
George will be responsible for the management of the entire AutoTrader.com product, which includes all aspects of the Web site consumer interface, as well as dealer and national accounts programs. As the current vice president of dealer services and an automotive industry veteran, George brings nearly 10 years' experience with Manheim Auctions to AutoTrader.com. This new role will become effective Jan. 1, 2001.
"The development of a formal product management team is one of our top objectives for 2001. Joe's expertise in establishing the framework for much of the dealer success we've enjoyed has proven to be instrumental to our growth and prosperity," said Jim McKnight, executive vice president and COO, AutoTrader.com. "We knew we wouldn't have to look outside the company to find someone talented enough to lead our new product management department. With Joe's help, AutoTrader.com will be the one name consumers, dealers and potential partners think of when it comes to the most comprehensive automotive site."
Currently, George oversees all dealer products and services, the customer support department and strategic dealer-related partnerships. George's responsibilities include dealer program enhancements, new dealer relation development and the rollout of new web-based products and customized training programs.
George also manages AutoTrader.com's day-to-day relationship with Manheim Auctions, Inc., Trader Publishing Company and the Dealer Services Group of ADP. According to McKnight, George has been instrumental in making AutoTrader.com the largest used vehicle database on the Internet, with approximately 1.5 million cars and trucks for sale from dealers and individuals. George's successor in the dealer services position will be announced shortly.
Prior to joining AutoTrader.com, George served as assistant general manager of Manheim's Ohio Auto Auction, where he was successful in making the company a regional leader in wholesale automobile auctions by ensuring continuous sales growth. George holds a bachelor of science and an MBA in business from Ohio State University's Fisher College of Business.
About AutoTrader.com
AutoTrader.com is an Internet destination and marketplace for buyers and sellers of used cars, light trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles and for consumers seeking information regarding automotive products and services, such as insurance, financing and warranties.
AutoTrader.com contains approximately 1.5 million used vehicle listings.
Formerly AutoConnect.com, AutoTrader.com was formed in 1997 as a majority-owned subsidiary of Manheim Auctions, Inc., which has been in business since 1945 and is the world's largest operator of wholesale auto auctions.
Manheim Auctions, a wholly owned subsidiary of media conglomerate Cox Enterprises, Inc., is AutoTrader.com's principal stockholder and one of AutoTrader.com's strategic partners. Other investors in AutoTrader.com include entities with which AutoTrader.com has also formed strategic relationships, such as Trader Publishing Company, ADP, Inc., eBay, Inc. and the venture capital firm, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.
